Publication Date: 08/06/2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Casablanca
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 416
ISBN-10: 1402268696
ISBN-13: 978-1402268694
(Received for an honest review from Sourcebooks Casablanca)
Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound
Grace Burrowes on the WEB: Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads
Books in the series:
The Bridegroom Wore Plaid (2012), Once Upon a Tartan (2013)
Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.
Excerpt from Once Upon a Tartan, courtesy of the author's website.
Synopsis:
Honor or happiness—he can't have both.
Tiberius Flynn may be every inch an English lord, but smart, headstrong beauty Hester Daniels has no use for his high-handed ways--no matter how handsome, charming, or beguiling he is. They only see eye to eye in caring about the feisty little girl who is under their protection.
Tiberius's haughty insistence that his wealthy estate in England is a better place for the child than her beloved, rundown Scotland home sparks Hester's fierce protectiveness, and the battle lines are drawn.
Thoughts:
Once Upon a Tartan is the second book in Grace Burrowes' Scottish Victorian series, the MacGregor Trilogy. Burrowes excels at showing her characters personalities through banter and dialogue bringing readers along on an adventure in every story. Her characters are strong and vital and readers are drawn in by the authentic settings and eloquent technique of Burrowes' writing. This novel, a sequel to The Bridegroom Wore Plaid is an excellent example of solid romance writing that has a beauty and style of it's own.
Grace Burrowes is arguably once of the best historical romance writers on the market today. She has way with words that that seems to weave a spell over her readers. Her books are poignant, reaching readers on a more intimate level than most romances. She is able to provoke emotion and build trust with her characters. Readers who have not tried a Grace Burrowes novel will be spellbound when they do. She is definitely one of my favorites and her latest series strikes a cord with me since I am of Scottish descent.
When I read any novel that is set in Scotland, I tend to start out a little skeptical. I know what I believe the setting should be, how the customs of the day should be portrayed and most importantly how I believe the men and women of Scotland should be represented. Some authors get it right and some don't. Those who don't, often write the way they think readers want highlanders to act and sound, not necessarily how they would really be.
Burrowes has done her homework for this Scottish Victorian setting. She has the sound and attitude of her characters down to a science. Not only do her English characters fit the style of the times, but her Scottish characters also appear authentic and credible. Giving the book a sense of being realistic and believable. Making the story all the more enchanting.
Once Upon a Tartan is really a cross-border romance since the hero is an English Lord and the heroine is a Scottish highlander. I always enjoy that blend of two cultures when authors pit these two nationalities against each other. Tiberius has an air of arrogance and superiority, while Hester has that determined, Scottish attitude. They have both met their match in each other. They are passionate in and out of the bedroom and underneath their bold exteriors they are caring and loving individuals, putting the needs of their families before their own.
Burrowes shows a deep connection between these two characters that goes way beyond physical attraction and it is evident in every interaction between them. Her characters are extremely well drawn and readers will love the way that Burrowes is able to show their personalities through their banter and dialogue. She uses subtle humor that will make the reader smile and sizzling romance scenes that will make them blush. This is definitely a good addition to this well written series.
Once Upon a Tartan is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.
I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!
About the Author:
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
Giveaway Details:
The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one prize pack featuring 2 books: The Bridegroom Wore Pride and Once Upon a Tartan by Grace Burrowes.
~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US Addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, September 12th.
1. Please leave a comment describing your favorite accent, British, Scottish or otherwise and why you like it.
2. Please fill out the FORM.
Sourcebooks and Grace Burrowes are giving away print copies of the first two books in the MacGregor Trilogy all month long. Check out all the great giveaways for more chances to win!
Giveaway Schedule—chances to win all month long!
8/1 Book Hounds
8/2 RomFan Reviews
weekend
8/5 In the Hammock
weekend
8/12 Joan Swan's Blog
8/13 Cocktails and Books
8/14 Romancing the Book
8/16 Books-n-Kisses
weekend
8/19 Anna's Book Blog
8/20 The Book Girl
8/21 The Reading Café
8/22 Seductive Musings
weekend
8/26 Love Romance Passion
8/28 Thoughts in Progress
8/29 Debbie's Book Bag
8/30 Linus' Blanket
22 comments:
I love ALL of Grace's books, and there are so many of them!! My favorite accent is Scottish because it seems to reflect the men and the history of their countryside. The burr starts in the toes, ruffles the hem of their kilts and like a big cat escapes like a purr. So sexy.
hmartha2ATgmailDOTcom
I like an Australian accent. It is so cheerful and fun to listen to.
I love Grace's books. Her new books sound awesome. Thanks for the great giveaway.
Well, I like Scots, English and Aussie accents--all three. I guess my fave would have to be Scots though, because I can just hear it in my ears when I read the words. Sounds sexy to me, but then maybe that's because of my liking for Scots heroes in my stories. :-) You mentioned that Grace weaves a spell with her stories and I agree wholeheartedly! She weaves words in her dialogue that hold a reader's rapt attention, much like the Scots tartans are woven with myths, legends and stories of old. You can't do better than Grace for historical romances. jdh2690@gmail.com
Oh, to pick only one accent. Hmm. I love them all, just not a southern one! ;) Scottish and British accents sound so sophisticated and polished, like it's a true gentleman talking, but that he also may have a passionate side too! :)
Thanks so much for the giveaway! Grace's books are great!!
jakki36 at yahoo dot com
Wonderful giveaway. I like a British accent. Very clear and concise. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
I like a Spanish or Italian accent.
patoct@yahoo.com
British and Scottish accents are challenging to understand but I love them!
I love all accents on a sexy man but my favorites are probably the Scottish and Irish accents, and Australian accents. They both just send shivers down my spine :) Scottish and Irish accents make me think of sexy guys in Kilts, LOL. Australian ones make me think of surfers on a beach. All are HOT!
I like a British attcent, think it is so neat to hear them speak.
CABWNANA1@bellsouth.net
I love a Scots accent, it sounds so sexy. An Australian accent is a close second.
Definitely Scottish accent. I watch Craig Ferguson and love hearing his accent lol.
I have read many of Grace's books and have enjoyed them all but this series sounds like it will be my favorite since I've always enjoyed Scottish medievals the most!!
Love accents, they make me melt. British or Scottish especially. Sean Connery *dreamy sigh*
It has been a long time since I have read one of Grace's books. I remember enjoying them, but not as with the enthusiasm you have. Makes me want to give this series a try.
I like the austrailian accent. Like their little sayings too.
British accents are my favorite. Scottish would be in second place. I like detective stories so there are lots of British ones to watch, especially on D.V.D.
I love Grace's books. My favorite is the Scottish and Irish brogues. Scottish is so darn sexy. It seems to start rumbling from the depth of their belly and flows outward wrapping you in their words. I just melt when I hear it. :)
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
I have not read any of Grace's books yet. I love a French accent, or an Italian one.
lovesthemets@yahoo.com
I love a touch of any kind of accent, as long as I can understand what is being said, but there is something special about a Scottish accent.
sallans d at yahoo dot com
I love an Irish accent - Tristan on Dancing with the Stars just gets to me.
gmapeony@yahoo.com
I love an Italian accent.
pattyb43coral@gmail.com
The Scottish accent is my favorite; it just resonates with me.
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